What are the limitations of Medi-Cal?
Asked by: Shayne Sauer DVM | Last update: August 31, 2025Score: 4.3/5 (62 votes)
What will disqualify you from Medi-Cal?
The Medi-Cal program determines eligibility for benefits on a “means” tested basis. If a Medi-Cal applicant's property/assets are over the Medi-Cal property limit, the applicant will not be eligible for Medi-Cal unless they lower their property/assets according to the program rules.
How much money can you have in the bank if you have Medi-Cal?
If you apply for Medi-Cal in 2023:
Medi-Cal will consider assets and income information as part of the application process. The current asset limit is $130,000 for one person. Each additional household member adds $65,000 to the asset limit. Up to 10 members can be in a household.
Does Medi-Cal have a limit?
Medi-Cal's asset limit was officially eliminated as of January 1, 2024. This is a moment that we at California Health Advocates, as well as advocates, beneficiaries and family members around the state have invested decades in advocating for and have been long awaiting.
What are the new rules for Medi-Cal 2024?
Basic Information. Beginning January 1, 2024, a new law in California will allow adults ages 26 through 49 to qualify for full-scope Medi-Cal, regardless of immigration status. All other Medi-Cal eligibility rules, including income limits, will still apply.
What Is Medi-Cal? (Part 1)
What does Medi-Cal not cover?
Restricted scope Medi-Cal covers limited services. It does not cover medicine or primary care. If you have pregnancy-related limited scope Medi-Cal, you will have the full scope of Medi-Cal benefits, if the service is medically necessary.
What is the income limit for Medi-Cal 2024 over 65 for seniors?
To be eligible for Medi-Cal with no share of cost, your monthly gross income in 2024 must not exceed $1,732 for an individual and not exceed $2,332 for a married couple. For married couples, when one spouse is in a nursing home, higher resource and income limits apply.
What is restricted Medi-Cal?
Restricted Medi-Cal only covers emergency services. It does not cover things like medicine and primary care. Things to consider in the upcoming months: • Your immigration status will not be considered as part of the eligibility process.
What is the highest income to qualify for Medicaid 2024?
Parents of Dependent Children: Income limits for 2024 are reported as a percentage of the federal poverty level (FPL). The 2024 FPL for a family of three is $25,820. Other Adults: Eligibility limits for other adults are presented as a percentage of the 2024 FPL for an individual is $15,060.
Do I have to pay back Medi-Cal?
The Medi-Cal program must seek repayment from the estates of certain deceased Medi-Cal beneficiaries. Repayment only applies to benefits received by these beneficiaries on or after their 55th birthday and those who owned assets at the time of death.
Does Medi-Cal check your income?
Most people who apply for Medi-Cal can find out if they qualify based on their income. For some types of Medi-Cal, people may also need to give information about their assets and property.
How much money does Medicare allow you to have in the bank?
This means individuals can have any amount of assets and still qualify for a Medicare Savings Program. Assets are things that you own, such as bank accounts, cash, second homes and vehicles.
Will I lose my Medicaid if I get Medicare?
People who have both Medicare and full Medicaid coverage are “dually eligible.” Medicare pays first when you're a dual eligible and you get Medicare-covered services. Medicaid pays last, after Medicare and any other health insurance you have.
Can I have money in the bank and still get Medi-Cal?
➢ Do assets affect my eligibility? Starting on January 1, 2024, assets, such as bank accounts, cash, a second vehicle, and homes, will no longer be counted when determining Medi-Cal eligibility. Income and income from assets, such as income from property, will continue to be counted.
What is the disadvantage of Medi-Cal?
The perception that Medi-Cal offered poorer coverage or less respectful treatment than other types of insurance. Concerns among noncitizen respondents that applying for Medi-Cal might affect their immigration status.
How do I protect my assets from Medi-Cal?
Many families seek to protect the family home. One of the best tools to protect the family home is the use of an irrevocable Medi-Cal Protection Trust. The Trust protects the family home from a Medi-Cal recovery lien. The Trust can be designed as a grantor trust which will not be required to file a separate tax return.
What if my income is too high for Medi-Cal?
Yes. If you make too much to qualify for Medi-Cal, you can apply for Covered California. Covered California is a state-run health care insurance exchange that offers financial assistance to reduce your premiums payments.
How do I check Medi-Cal eligibility?
Who is eligible? Qualify for Medi-Cal if your income is up to 138 percent of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) for adults, and up to 266 percent FPL for children. Check Shop and Compare to see if you qualify. Learn more on the Department of Health Care Services website.
How much is Medi-Cal per month?
If eligible, as of July 1, 2022 a California law allows you to receive full Medi-Cal coverage with $0 monthly premium. To qualify, you must: Meet the medical requirements of Social Security's definition of disability. Be working and earning income (this can be part-time work).
What is the new law for Medi-Cal?
Starting January 1, 2024, a new law in California will give full Medi-Cal to more people ages 26 through 49 who qualify for Medi-Cal. Unlike before, immigration status does not matter.
What assets can you have and still qualify for Medi-Cal?
eligibility for Medi-Cal. For new Medi-Cal applications only, current asset limits are $130,000 for one person and $65,000 for each additional household member, up to 10. Starting on January 1, 2024, Medi-Cal applications will no longer ask for asset information.
What are the two types of Medi-Cal?
Medi-Cal is health coverage for low-income children and adults. There are two kinds of Medi-Cal, the expanded Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) coverage and classic coverage. Some Medi-Cal programs have a Share of Cost, but most do not.
Can I stay on Medi-Cal when I turn 65?
Individuals newly eligible for Medi-Cal due to the Medi-Cal expansion to adults age 50 and older regardless of immigration status. Medi-Cal beneficiaries turning age 65 not already enrolled in Medicare, contingent on an agreement with one or more Medi-Cal plans for that county.
Who is eligible for the $3000 senior assistance program in California?
Basic Requirements Aged 65, blind or disabled. Citizenship U.S. citizen, U.S. national or resident alien. Countable Resources $2,000 for individuals/$3,000 for married couples. Income Countable income can't exceed the federal benefit rate.
How does Medi-Cal verify income?
Earned Income Most recent pay stub, written statement from employer, completed employer's income verification letter. All verification must show gross income, pay period, date received and hours worked.